LeBron 12 Sneaker to Hit Stores After Delay for 'Cosmetic Flaw'

LeBron James speaks during the introduction of the LeBron 12 shoe the at the Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Ore., on Tuesday, Sept.16, 2014. (Steve Dykes/AP Photo, file)

The Nike LeBron 12 basketball shoe is scheduled to be released in stores Dec. 1, some two months from its original release date after the sneaker company said it corrected a minor "cosmetic flaw." The going price is about $200.

Nike has introduced a new shoe line for each year James has played in the NBA, this shoe marking his 12th year in the league, according to the Wall Street Journal. The shoes have been made in different colors marking different stages of his career.

James' latest shoe was scheduled to hit the market Oct. 1, but Heidi Burgett, of Nike public relations, made the announcement that the shoes debut would be delayed.

Due to a small cosmetic issue w/ some of the LEBRON 12s, we have delayed the initial retail launch. New launch dates to come.

The Oregonian reported that Nike quickly followed up with a news release with an attempted to stem off controversy or rumors.

"Product quality is a priority for Nike," Nike said in the statement. "Due to a small cosmetic issue with some of the LEBRON 12 shoes we have delayed the initial retail launch that was scheduled for China on October 1, and the global launch that was scheduled for October 11. We will communicate an update on the retail date as soon as possible."

A September Wall Street Journal story questioned if James move back to Cleveland would affect James shoe sales, noting that purchase of his shoes experienced a 50 percent jump when he relocated to Miami in 2010, according to SportsOneSource analyst Matt Powell.

"LeBron's sales in Cleveland the first time were much less than when in Miami," Powell told the Wall Street Journal in the September article. "Smaller market, no international business."

James returned to Cleveland after winning two NBA championships and is a four-time NBA MVP. His LeBron 11s were the best sellers of the signature line since Nike began the shoes for James with retail sales of more than $300 million, noted the Journal.

The Nike LeBron 12 basketball shoe is scheduled to be released in stores Dec. 1, some two months from its original release date after the sneaker company said it corrected a minor "cosmetic flaw." The going price is about $200.